footwork

[ foot-wurk ]

noun

1. the use of the feet, foot, as in tennis, boxing, or dancing.
2. travel by foot from one place to another, as in gathering facts or fulfilling an assignment; legwork:

   The project entailed a great deal of footwork.

3. the act or process of maneuvering, especially in a skillful manner:

   It took a bit of fancy footwork to avoid the issue.

footwork

/ ˈfʊtˌwɜːk /

noun

1. skilful use of the feet, as in sports, dancing, etc
2. informal.
   clever manoeuvring

   deft political footwork

3. informal.
   preliminary groundwork

   many estate agents now do the footwork – you only need to visit

Word History and Origins

Origin of footwork¹

First recorded in 1560–70; foot + work

Example Sentences

The Los Angeles Flower District is a great place to explore and get inspired, but advance footwork is crucial for success.

From Los Angeles Times

By contrast, Clog Step is a dance style with percussive footwork and fine timing.

From BBC

The 22-year-old showcased a big arm and some nifty footwork that has some beleaguered Patriots fans now heading to Wembley on Sunday with renewed hope that light could be at the end of the tunnel.

From BBC

I like the way he plays, he's a big strong boy who puts himself about, but he obviously also has that lovely footwork to get the goal.

From BBC

Head judge Shirley Ballas gave him a standing ovation and called him "an example to every celebrity upstairs when it comes to footwork".

From BBC

Related Words

• airing
• walk